Hemingways passion for bullfighting is perfectly mirrored in the strong narration of Boyd Gaines. The authors portrait of the men who step into coliseums filled with cheering fans to face possible injury and death may seem a bit dated, but Gaines delivers all the intricacies of the sport with the immediacy of a season that had just ended. Fans of the great writer will find the writing style and vivid imagery deftly delivered. The author is obviously impressed with men facing death, and Gaines does a wonderful job of creating drama and tension as the conflict of man versus animal plays out to its ultimate conclusion.

Still considered one of the best books ever written about bullfighting, Death in the Afternoon reflects Hemingway's belief that bullfighting was more than mere sport. Here he describes and explains the technical aspects of this dangerous ritual, and "the emotional and spiritual intensity and pure classic beauty that can be produced by a man, an animal, and a piece of scarlet serge draped on a stick." Seen through his eyes, bullfighting becomes an art, a richly choreographed ballet, with performers who range from awkward amateurs to masters of great grace and cunning.

Chapters 1 to 20, inclusive

An Explanatory Glossary

Some Reactions of a Few Individuals to the Integral Spanish Bullfight

A Short Estimate of the American, Sidney Franklin,

 as a Matador

Dates on which Bullfights will ordinarily be held in Spain

 France, Mexico, and Central and South America

Bibliographical Note